In the presence of a metabolic poison that specifically andcompletely inhibits the function of

mitochondrial ATP synthase, which of the followingwould you expect?

A) a decrease in the pH difference across the innermitochondrial membrane

B) an increase in the pH difference across theinner mitochondrial membrane

C) increased synthesis of ATP

D) oxygen consumption to cease

E) proton pumping by the electron transport chainto cease

Answer: Option A. Decrease in pH across the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Explanation:

ATP synthase is a mitochondrial enzyme present in the inner membrane that catalyse the production of ATP from ADP and phosphate which is driven by protons present in the gradients of electron transport chain.

When ATP synthase is inhibited by metabolic poison, it will cause a decrease in the pH of the space between the mitondondrial membranes.

an increase in the pHdifference across the inner mitochondrial membrane